India's exports touch 100 bn dollar mark

New Delhi, Apr 2 (UNI) Registering a growth rate of about 25 per cent over last year, the country's exports have for the first time crossed the 100 billion dollar mark in financial year 2005-06, according to official sources.

Although the target for 2005-06 was set at 92 billion dollars, Commerce and Industry Minister Kamal Nath had urged exporters to try and reach the 100 billion dollar mark.

With export growth rate going down to 12 per cent in February 2006, there were fears that exports may not touch the magical figure of 100 billion dollars in 2005-06. However, allaying fears, exports picked up during March.

Sources, however indicated that detailed figures for imports and exports would be compiled in a few days.

In February, the country's exports stood at 88.7 billion dollars with India having a trade deficit of over 37 billion dollars.

Currently the Centre is looking at achieving 150 billion dollars worth of exports by 2008-09 and of almost doubling India's share in global trade to 1.5 per cent from 0.8 per cent.

UNI SS SR BD1659